Got the first package with the jerky, chicken and tuna. It was great. Particularly like the beef jerky and chicken.

The Bronze Star and promotion are no big deal. Without being falsely modest, I was doing my job and many guys who did as much or more will have gone unrecognized.

The diplomatic efforts ongoing are a necessary part of our overall efforts to stabilize Iraq.

You are correct that the corporals and sergeants are none too happy about some of the perceived bureaucracy but at the end of the day we understand that it is part of the democratic effort. Believe me, we will take no chances with our Marines and will be prepared to destroy any threat that surfaces during these patrols.

Many people have died during this offensive and during the moments when the adrenaline/anger die down, it is clear that we have an obligation as human beings to spare as many lives as possible. We also have an obligation to encourage the Iraqis to take some responsibility and ownership of their own destiny. We cannot tell them on one hand that they need to take charge and prevent violence among their people and on the other stiff arm them whenever we want to raise a city. It can be exasperating but unless I want *{Dave’s 6 year old son} taking his platoon down the same streets 15 years from now, we have to make an effort. I guess history will tell whether our approach is correct.

The Marines are strong and there is no doubt we could push through the city given the order. Hopefully, the Iraqis are sobering up and realizing that. My guess is that they are and that is why they want to talk. At the end of the day, we may get the chance to work with them and kill the men in the city that we have no hope of ever reasoning with. We are fully prepared to do that and we have no intention of letting them out of the city without first dealing with us. The best case scenario is for the Iraqis to succeed in handling the problem and we are doing everything we can to set them up for success.

Hope you and Mom enjoy your trip to see Sue and the kids.

Love,